In a rigorous traffic enforcement operation conducted on Sunday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) recorded a whopping 274 cases against errant drivers countrywide. Among these cases, the majority were related to speeding, while a few individuals were apprehended for driving under the influence (DUI).
The officers were out in full force on Sunday, focusing their efforts on ensuring road safety and cracking down on reckless driving. The operation, which spanned various parts of the city, resulted in a significant number of traffic violations being addressed.
Traffic officers carrying out traffic enforcement
Speeding remains a major concern on the city’s roads, with 65 cases reported on Sunday alone. Drivers exceeding the designated speed limits not only put their lives at risk but also endanger the lives of others on the road. Law enforcement officers utilised speed detection devices to identify and pull over drivers
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs also continues to be a serious offence. In Sunday’s operation, eight individuals were arrested for DUI. Law enforcement officers, trained to recognise signs of impaired driving, conducted thorough checks to ensure that intoxicated drivers were taken off the streets promptly.
The traffic enforcement operations are part of a campaign to instil a sense of discipline among drivers and make roads safer for all users. By cracking down on offenders and issuing appropriate penalties, the Police hope to send a strong message that traffic violations will not be tolerated.
The public has been urged to cooperate with traffic authorities and adhere to traffic regulations to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and reduce road accidents. Regular enforcement exercises will continue to be conducted in various parts of the region to maintain road safety and prevent traffic violations.
Since July, “Respect the Road” was initiated, in a desperate move to reduce accidents after a rise in fatalities and reckless use of the roadways.
For the first half of 2023, over 2000 persons were charged with ticketing offences.
Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken had said that ticketing has not been working to some extent; despite harsher penalties being meted out to defaulters, violation of traffic laws remains high.
According to the acting Top Cop, speeding, driving under the influence, poor driver behaviour, distracted driving and inadequate infrastructure were some of the factors contributing to the alarming statistics.
